Morpho-Biochemical characterization of Kalazeera (Bunium persicum Boiss. Fedts) germplasm grown in Global temperate ecologies

The present investigation explores the variability of Bunium persicum populations belonging to different regions. Variability among 74 genotypes for thirty-seven traits (29 quantitative and 8 qualitative) were studied to ascertain the population structure of the Bunium persicum. Among the agro-morphological traits, wide range of variability was recorded in tuber shape, tuber colour, seed shape, seed colour, growth habit, leaf shape, leaf colour, umbel shape, umbel colour, plant height (22.90–96.52 cm), primary branches plant⁻¹ (1–6), umbel diameter of primary umbel (6.17 – 13.67 cm), number of primary umbels plant⁻¹ (1–12), umbels plant⁻¹ (8–40), seed yield per plant (0.55–13.10 g), essential oil content (3.2–9.3 %) etc. Significant and positive association was observed between number of seeds primary^-1 umbel (r = 0.91), plant height (r = 0.65), number of seeds primary^-1 umbel (0.52), number of seeds primary^-1 umbel (0.43), number of seeds secondary^-1 umbel (0.38) with number of umblets secondary^-1 umbel. Cluster analysis classified the genotypes with different geographical origin into two major clusters and sub-clusters. Cluster-I comprises of 50 genotypes and cluster - II of 24 genotypes while the genotype SRS-KZ-189 from Kargil population was separated as an individual sub-group. Principal component (PC1) and (PC2) harbors accounted 20.2% and 14% of total variation. Variability of Kalazeera genotypes would facilitate the plant breeders to implement and design various crop improvement programme in future.     

Agro-Morphological Characterization and Genetic Dissection of Linseed (<i>Linum usitatissimum</i> L.) Genotypes

Linseed is a multipurpose crop and the crop needs further improvement to increase production and yield due to its high value and demand. This study aimed to assess the extent and pattern of genetic variability of forty linseed genotypes based on diverse agro–morphological and yield attributes. The field experiment was conducted following a Randomized Complete Block Design with three replications. Linseed germplasm showed a wide range of phenotypic expression, genetic variability and heritability for 30 studied traits. A low to high phenotypic coeffi- cient of variation (PCV) and genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV) were observed. The lowest genotypic (σ² g) and phenotypic variances (σ² p) were found in capsule diameter (CD), length of calyx (LC), capsule length (CL), seed length (SL), and seed breadth (SB). High broad-sense heritability (h²_b) with high genetic advance as a percentage of mean (GAM) were observed in days to germination started (DGS), days to 80% emergence (DE), plant height at 28 and 40 DAS, number of flowers (NFPP), filled capsules (NFCPP) and yield per plant (YPP) indicating additive gene action exists for these characters. Hierarchical cluster analysis separated 40 genotypes into five clusters, where Clusters I to V assembled with 13, 4, 4, 5 and 14 genotypes, respectively. Considering yield and yield attributes, Cluster-IV (G3, G4, G6, G10 and G31) genotypes showed promising while, Cluster-II (G2, G16, G35, G36) and Cluster-III (G1, G33, G39 and G40) genotypes were dominant on plant morphological traits. Based on principal component analysis (PCA), few characters such as YPP, NFPP, NFCPP, days to first flowering and capsule formation, early emergence, days to branch initiation and plant heights at different growth stages revealed important and effective traits for consideration in the selection of linseed breeding programs.     

Influence of lodging and nitrogen rate on the yield and yield attributes of oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)

The effects of lodging and nitrogen rate were studied in a field trial of oilseed rapeBrassica napus L. Lodging decreased seed yield (16%) compared with a frame-raised crop. Yield decreased because of a significant reduction in each of the yield components coupled with a reduced plant population caused by stem breakage at the ground level. Lodging also reduced the final crop dry weight and harvest index. Seed yield was also lower when 200 kg ha^–1 nitrogen was applied than with 400 kg ha^–1. A general decrease in pod number m^–2, seed nuber pod^–1 and seed weight caused the lower yields. The use of 400 kg ha^–1 of nitrogen changed the contribution of the terminal raceme and individual branches with respect to seed yield. Seed nitrogn content and nitrogen yield increased at the 400 kg ha^–1, lowering both seed oil content and oil yield.     

The morpho-agronomic characterization study of Lens culinaris germplasm under salt marsh habitat in Swat,Pakistan

The present research study evaluate and identify the most suitable and high yielding genotypes of Lens culinaris for the salt marsh habitat of Swat in moist temperate sort of agro climatic environment of Pakistan. A total of fourteen genotypes were cultivated and analyzed through Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD). These genotypes were AZRC-4, NL-2, NL4, NL-5, NL-6, NARC-11-1, NARC-11-2, NARC-11-3, NARC-11-4, 09503, 09505, 09506, P.Masoor-09 and Markaz-09. Different parameters i.e., germination rate, flowering, physiological maturity, plant height, biological grain yield, seed weight, pods formation and its height, pods per plants and protein content were focused specially throughout the study. Preliminary the Lentil genotypes have significant variability in all the major morpho-agronomic traits. The days to germination, 50% flowering and 100 seed weight ranged from 7 to 9, 110 to 116 days, and from 5.4 to 7.3 gm respectively. Biological yield and grain yield ranged from 5333 to 9777 kg ha⁻¹ and 1933 to 3655 kg ha⁻¹ respectively. Whereas, protein contents ranged from 23.21% to 28.45%. It was concluded that the genotype AZRC-4 is better varity in terms of grain yield plus in 100 seed weight and moreover, 09506 genotype was significant under salt marsh habitat in early maturing for the Swat Valley, Pakistan.     

Sulphur application improves the growth, seed yield and oil quality of canola

Sulphur (S) nutrition is very important for harvesting potential seed and oil yield of rapeseed. This study evaluated response of foliage applied thiourea on the performance of two canola cultivars Shiralee and Dunkeld. Sulphur was applied to soil (40 kg ha^?1) or foliage (500 and 1,000 mg L^?1) at rosette, bud initiation and flowering stages using elemental S or thiourea as source, respectively; no S application was taken as control. Among all the treatments, soil application of S improved the crop growth, yield and oil quality in both cultivars and was followed by foliar application of thiourea at 1,000 mg L^?1 compared with no application. Soil applied S and foliar thiourea (1,000 mg L^?1) delayed the flowering and maturity. Soil and foliar applied S significantly improved leaf area index, crop growth rate, net assimilation rate and chlorophyll contents. Plant height, number of branches, siliqua per plant, seed number per siliqua, 1,000-seed weight, biological and seed yield were also increased by soil applied S and foliage applied thiourea (1,000 mg L^?1). Nonetheless, improvement in harvest index, seed oil, protein and glucosinolate contents was only observed from foliage applied thiourea (1,000 mg L^?1). Response of cv. Shiralee to sulphur application was better than cv. Dunkeld. In conclusion, foliar applied thiourea (1,000 mg L^?1) can have potential to improve growth, yield and oil quality in canola and can be economically viable and attractive alternative source.     

Kaolin and Jasmonic acid improved cotton productivity under water stress conditions

Drought is one of the most emerging threat that causes a severe reduction in cotton plant growth and development. Being cotton is a major cash crop has great threat to prevailing drought events in Pakistan. A field experiment was conducted in Kharif season 2018 at Research Area of MNS-University of Agriculture, Multan, Pakistan to assess the role of foliar applied kaolin and jasmonic acid on vegetative growth, gas exchange and reproductive traits of cotton under normal irrigated and artificial water deficit conditions. The experiment was laid -out in a factorial randomized complete block design with split – split plot arrangement. Main plots were allocated for irrigation levels, sub-plots for two -cotton genotypes viz. NIAB − 878 and SLH − 19 while sub – sub plots for treatments of kaolin and Jasmonic acid. Water deficit stress was created by skipping irrigation at flowering for 21 days. Foliar sprays of Kaolin (5%, w/v) and Jasmonic acid (100 μM) were applied alone or in combination at 60 days after planntinon both to normal irrigated and water-stresse skip irrigation while irrigation water alone was sprayed in control plots. Both cotton genotypes responded variably to normal irrigated and skip conditions. Skipping irrigation for up to 21 days at flowering caused a significant decrease in leaf relative water content, SPAD values, net photosynthetic rate and seed cotton yield in both the genotypes. Seed cotton yield showed an overall decline of 24.7% in skip over Normal irrigated crop. The genotype NIAB − 878 produced maximum seed cotton yield of 3.304 Mg ha⁻¹ in normal that dropped to 2.579 Mg ha⁻¹ in skip, thus showing an average decline of 21.9 %. Similarly, SLH − 19 produced 2.537 Mg ha⁻¹ seed cotton under normal that dropped to 1.822 Mg ha⁻¹ in skip, showing an average decline of 28.2%. The Application of Kaolin and JA Jasmonic acid, either applied individually or in combination, improved vegetative and reproductive development of both cotton varieties in normal and skip regimes. However, combined kaolin and Jasmonic Acid application proved to be more beneficial in terms of seed cotton production and other parameters studied.     

The effect of plant density, harvest date and method on the yield of seed and components of yield of parsnip (Pastinaca sativa)

Experiments conducted over four years (1980–1983) with parsnip cv. Avonre-sister examined the effects of plant density, harvest date and method on seed yield and the components of yield. In 1980, using the root-to-seed method, the yield of seed increased by 50% for an increase in plant density from 5.6 to 35 plants m^-2; the maximum yield at the optimum harvest date was 3015 kg h^-1. In the other three years, using the seed-to-seed method, seed yield increased to a maximum with an increase in plant density from c. 1 to 10 plants m^-2 but at higher densities yields were lower. At c. 10 plants m^-2, seed yields were 1567, 4029 and 1040 kg ha^-1, in 1981, 1982 and 1983, respectively, when harvested at the optimum time. An increase in plant density increased the number of non-seeding plants in the population, reduced the number of umbels per plant and reduced the number of seeds per umbel. Mean seed weight was, in general, unaffected by plant density and so effects of density on yield reflected changes in seed numbers. Increasing the plant density increased the proportion of primary-umbel seed. Maximum yields of seed were obtained from crops harvested at a seed-moisture content of 50 to 70%, which occurred 46 ± 2·4 days after flowering. Delay in harvesting after this date led to a loss of yield of 33, 35, 139 and 32 kg ha^-1wk^-1 in 1980, 1981, 1982 and 1983, respectively. Plants cut, placed in the windrow to dry and then threshed gave similar yields to those harvested at the same time but dried in bins.     

Phenotypic variation in the agronomic and morphological traits of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Pisum sativum</Emphasis> L. Germplasm obtained from different parts of the world

A total of 286 genotypes were collected from 39 countries of the world and were evaluated to determine the phenotypic diversity for 17 quantitative traits. Higher degree of coefficient of variation were recorded for grain yield⁻⁵ (52.46%), biomass⁻⁵ (45.73%), fresh pod width-10 (47.24%), dry pod weight⁻¹⁰ (40.33%), plant height⁻¹ (35.25%), harvest index (32.70%) and number of branches⁻⁵. Cluster-II clearly reflected that late genotypes were having lightest pods weight, shortest pod width, and pod length; low grain yield, biomass and harvest index. Width, and pod length; low grain yield, biomass and harvest index. While genotypes in Cluster-III were in contrast to Cluster-II having heaviest pods weight, longest pods width and length, highest grain yield, biomass and harvest index. Higher PC₋₁ values have been determined for days to flower initiation which consequently were contributing weighed positive to days to pods picking, days to flower completion, days to dry pod appearance, days to plant harvesting while negatively contributed to yield producing traits, indicating that late flowering pea germplasm emphasizes more on the vegetative growth and was low yielding. However, higher PC₋₂ values have been obtained for number of branches⁻⁵, grain yield and biomass while lower values for days to flowering, days to pods picking, days to flower completion, days to dry pod appearance and days to plant harvesting confirming the fact that early genotypes were high yielding.     

Integrated use of plant residues,phosphorus and beneficial microbes improve hybrid maize productivity in semiarid climates

Phosphorus unavailability and lack of organic matter in calcareous soils under semiarid climates are the major reasons for low crop productivity. A field experiment was conducted at The Agronomy Research Farm of The University of Agriculture Peshawar (semiarid climate), during summer 2015. The objective of the research was to investigate the effect of plant residues, organic and inorganic phosphorus management on improving yield and yield components of hybrid maize (CS-200) with (+) and without (?) phosphate solubilizing bacteria. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with split plot arrangement, using three replications. A combination of plant residues and phosphorus sources were used as mainplot factor, and phosphate solubilizing bacteria were used as a subplot factor. The results revealed that plant residues, phosphorus sources and phosphate solubilizing bacteria significantly affected all parameters under study except number of plants at harvest. Application of legume residues (Faba bean) increased ear length (22.9 cm), grains row^?1 (46) and ear^?1 (419), 1000 grains weight (365 g), grain yield (6175 kg ha^?1) and shelling percentage (83) as compared to paper mulberry and garlic residues. Phosphorus application at the higher rate of 120 kg ha^?1 from inorganic source (single super phosphate) was superior in terms of higher ear length (24.4 cm), number of grains row^?1 (48) and ear^?1 (455), 1000 grains weight (380 g), grain yield (6558 kg ha^?1), harvest index (42.7%) and shelling percentage (83%) than the lower rate of phosphorus (60 kg P ha^?1). Inoculation of maize seeds with beneficial microbes (phosphate solubilizing bacteria) significantly increased ear length (22.9 cm), number of grains row^?1 (45) and ear^?1 (413), 1000 grains weight (364 g), grain yield (6237 kg ha^?1), harvest index (41.8%) and shelling percentage (82) than without seed inoculation. On the basis of our results from this study, we concluded that application of faba bean residues, 120 kg P ha^?1 as single super phosphate along with seed inoculation with phosphate solubilizing bacteria could improve yield and yield components of hybrid maize under semiarid climates.     

“Ecological Armageddon” – more evidence for the drastic decline in insect numbers

The efficient use of nitrogen by crops can minimise environmental risks and maximise returns to farmers. Under organic farming systems, this can be achieved by adjusting the fertilisation management and/or using genetic variability. Seven durum wheat (Triticum durum) cultivars and three emmer (Triticum dicoccum) cultivars were assessed under an organic farming system over a non‐consecutive 4‐year period (2005–11) in Foggia (southern Italy). The objectives were to investigate the agronomic and qualitative characteristics, and to evaluate the agronomic efficiency and adaptability according to three N fertilisation levels (0, 40, 80 kg N ha^?1). A split‐plot design was used, with three replications in each year. Nine traits were investigated: heading time, plant height, seed yield, number of spikes m^?2, harvest index, specific weight, 1000‐seed weight, and protein and gluten contents. Increasing N to 80 kg ha^?1 increased plant height (+7.3%), seed yield (+22.1%), spike density (+16.6%), and protein (+9.8%) and gluten (+2.1%) contents. The emmer genotypes and the oldest durum wheat ‘Cappelli’ showed the highest protein and gluten contents (mean, 13.9%, 11.2%, respectively). The maximum N agronomic efficiency [AE(N)] and N recovery efficiency [RE(N)] were seen for the modern durum wheat cultivars under 40 kg ha^?1 N treatment: ‘Duilio’, ‘Iride’ and ‘Varano’. The significant correlation between AE(N) and RE(N) and the year of release of the durum wheat cultivars (r = 0.53, P < 0.05, F = 4.7 for AE(N) and r = 0.57, P < 0.01, F = 5.7 for RE(N), respectively; n = 14) showed that the genetic breeding of this species for high grain yield is associated with an increase in the efficiency of N fertiliser use under organic farming. The highly significant effect for the Genotype × Environment interaction (F = 18.1, P < 0.001) of seed yield indicate the possibility to select for stable genotypes across environments. Based on the additive main effects and multiplicative interaction analysis, and the yield stability index, the varieties ‘Iride’ and ‘Varano’ show high‐stability responses and good seed yields under all N fertiliser treatments. Therefore, these varieties can be recommended for organic farming systems in Mediterranean areas.     

A Population Study to Aid the Selection of Improved Dried Pea (Pisum sativum) Crop Plants

The effect of genotype and plant density, over the range from100 to 277 plants m^–2, on plant to plant variation inprecision sown microplots has been assessed for three ‘leafless’(afafstst) pea (Pisum sativum) lines. This range of plantingdensities did not significantly affect the total above groundbiological yield per unit area of two of the genotypes (BS5and BS4) whereas the biological yield of the third (BS151) declinedat densities above 156 plants m^–2. The differences weredue to changes in seed yield. The effect of planting densityon the variation between plants for biological yield withinthe microplots differed between the genotypes. The distributionpattern of BS4 and BS5 changed from normal to skewed with increaseddensity, while the distribution for BS151 remained skewed atall planting densities. The differences between the three genotypes in the proportionof biological yield partitioned into seed yield (harvest index)on a unit area basis was due almost entirely to the differencesin structure of the plant populations. The maximum level ofpartitioning by individual plants was similar for all threelines. The difference between this maximum for an individualand the crop harvest index therefore represents the area forimprovement of crop harvest index through breeding. It is suggestedthat improvements in dried pea yields will come, therefore,by selecting plants which form more uniform populations withregard to plant size and to the proportion of plant biomasspartitioned into seed (plant harvest index). Pisum sativum, leafless pea, population, genetic variation, distribution patterns, harvest index     

鹰嘴豆种质资源农艺性状遗传多样性分析

以100份鹰嘴豆种质资源为材料,应用聚类分析和主成分分析方法,对15个主要农艺性状的遗传多样性进行分析。结果表明,参试材料存在广泛的遗传多样性。其中,多样性指数最高的是株高,其次是百粒重;性状变异系数最大的是单株荚数,其次是单株粒重;基于各种质间形态标记的遗传差异,将100份鹰嘴豆种质聚类并划分为4大类群。第Ⅰ类群可作为选育丰产中粒型和株高适中的品种,第Ⅱ类群可作为选育矮秆耐密及特异粒色(型)品种,第Ⅲ类群丰产性较差可作为选育子粒球型、光滑的品种,第Ⅳ类群可作为选育大粒型、适宜机械化收获的品种。9个数量性状的主成分分析结果表明,前4个主成分累计贡献率达73.91%,各主成分性状载荷值反映了主要数量性状的育种选择潜力。综合分析种质资源农艺性状,为鹰嘴豆的有效利用提供一定的科学依据。     

Biomass accumulation and energy conversion efficiency in aromatic rice genotypes

A field experiment was conducted to evaluate photosynthetic efficiency along with different growth parameters of aromatic rice genotypes. Forty genotypes including three non-aromatic checks exhibited enormous variations for leaf area index (LAI), crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), grain yield, total dry matter, harvest index and photosynthetic efficiency or energy use efficiency (Eμ) at panicle initiation and heading stages. Minimum LAI-value was 0.52 in Khazar at PI stage and maximum was 4.91 in Sakkor khora at heading stage. The CGR-value was in the range of 4.80−24.11 g m⁻² per day. The best yielder BR39 produced grain of 4.21 t ha⁻¹ and the worst yielder Khazar gave 1.42 t ha⁻¹. Total dry matter (TDM) yield varied from 4.04 to 12.26 t ha⁻¹ where genotypes proved their energy use efficiency a range between 0.58 to 1.65%. Eμ showed a significant positive relation with TDM (r = 0.80^**), CGR (r = 0.72^**) and grain yield (r = 0.66^**). A negative correlation was established between TDM and harvest index and LAI and RGR. Path analysis result showed that NAR at heading stage exerted highest positive direct effect (0.70) on Eμ.     

Varying phosphorus supply and development,growth and seed yield in narrow-leafed lupin

Narrow-leafed lupin (Lupinus angustifolius L.) is usually grown in sandy, acidic and phosphorus (P) deficient soil with low yield and variable harvest index. This study aimed to examine the effects of varying P supply on lupin growth, seed yield and harvest index. Non-abscission plants (cv. Danja) were grown in Lancelin sand at seven rates of P supply (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 or 40 mg kg^–1) in a naturally-lit glasshouse. The rate of leaf emergence, flowering time and flower number were decreased or delayed by low P supply (5, 10 or 15 mg kg^–1), with no differences at P rates higher than 20 mg kg^–1. High P supply (25, 30 or 40 mg kg^–1) increased plant seed yield and harvest index largely by increasing the number of pods and consequently yield on the lateral branches, but had less effect on the number of seeds per pod and seed size. Seed yield and seed P concentration continued to increase up to 40 mg P kg^–1but harvest index plateaued at 25 mg P kg^–1, indicating that low P supply decreased reproductive growth more than vegetative growth in narrow-leafed lupin.     

Genetic variation,heritability, divergence and biomass accumulation of rice genotypes resistant to bacterial blight revealed by quantitative traits and ISSR markers

A field experiment was carried out in order to evaluate genetic diversity of 41 rice genotypes using physiological traits and molecular markers. All the genotypes unveiled variations for crop growth rate (CGR), relative growth rate (RGR), net assimilation rate (NAR), yield per hill (Yhill^?1), total dry matter (TDM), harvest index (HI), photosynthetic rate (PR), leaf area index (LAI), chlorophyll‐a and chlorophyll‐b at maximum tillering stage. The CGR values varied from 0.23 to 0.76 gm cm^?2 day^?1. The Yhill^?1 ranged from 15.91 to 92.26 g, while TDM value was in the range of 7.49 to 20.45 g hill^?1. PR was found to vary from 9.40 to 22.34 µmol m^?2 s^?1. PR expressed positive relation with Yhill^?1. Significant positive relation was found between CGR and TDM (r = 0.61**), NAR and CGR (r = 0.62**) and between TDM and NAR (r = 0.31**). High heritability was found in RGR and Yhill^?1. Cluster analysis based on the traits grouped 41 rice genotypes into seven clusters. A total of 310 polymorphic loci were detected across the 20 inter‐simple sequence repeats (ISSR) markers. The UPGMA dendrogram grouped 41 rice genotypes into 11 clusters including several sub‐clusters. The Mantel test revealed positive correlation between quantitative traits and molecular markers (r = 0.41). On the basis of quantitative traits and molecular marker analyses parental genotypes, IRBB54 with MR84, IRBB60 with MR84, Purbachi with MR263, IRBB65 with BR29, IRBB65 with Pulut Siding and MRQ74 with Purbachi could be hybridized for future breeding program.     

Genetic variability,character association and divergence studies in <Emphasis Type="Italic">Jatropha curcas</Emphasis> for improvement in oil yield

Key message

Variability in traits of 15, diverse 6-year-old candidate plus trees of Jatropha curcas was determined to identify the best gain heritable traits correlating with oil yield for Jatropha improvement.

Abstract

Study was carried out on 15 6-year-old candidate plus trees of Jatropha curcas adapted on semi-arid wasteland with an objective to assess variation in morphological, physiological and oil quality characters. Heritable and non-heritable components of the total variability of the characters were determined by genotypic (GCV) and phenotypic (PCV) co-efficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance (GA) and the best gain traits for Jatropha improvement through selection and breeding were assessed. Further, association among the traits were assessed and germplasm were separated into different clusters. Significant variation was found among the different genotypes for all the characters. The photosynthetic and transpiration rate correlated with oil content, seed and oil yield. The chlorophyll pigments correlated positively with the photosynthetic rate and oil content. The seed oil content varied considerably from 27.68 % (JCN01) to 37.49 % (JCN14) and had high heritability, but it had low PCV and GCV and moderate GA. The oil yield plant^?1 had high genetic variability and varied significantly from 0.07 (JCN15) to 0.47 kg plant^?1 (JCN09/IC 565733). Though the different fatty acids differed significantly with different germplasm and also had high heritability, they had low PCV, GCV and GA. Seed weight, fruit weight, seed weight fruit^?1 and seed yield plant^?1 strongly correlated with oil yield and had moderate to high GCV, PCV, coupled with high heritability and GA. Germplasm were separated into four distinct clusters with a maximum inter distance found between cluster II and IV, and minimum between cluster I and III. The study helped to identify the superior germplasm among diverse genotypes of J. curcas that can serve as parents with desirable characters like high oil yield, low stomatal conductance and high water use efficiency for further breeding purposes.

     

Seed yield,head characteristics and oil content in sunflower varieties as influenced by seeds from single and multiple headed plants under humid tropical conditions

Field trials were conducted during 2004 and 2005 to determine the effect of sowing seeds from plants with multiple heads and seeds from single headed plants of sunflower on seed yield, head characteristics and oil content of three widely grown open pollinated varieties (Funtua, Record and Isaanka) in the humid forest—savanna transition zone which is outside the current growing areas with a view to improving stability and sunflower productivity in this region. Seeds from multiple headed plants produced plants that flowered and matured 2–3 days later than plants from single headed plants. Apart from days to flowering in 2004, number of days to maturity and plant height were affected independently by variety and seed source factors. However, the seeds from single headed plants produced plants that recorded significantly (P < 0.01) higher head weight, head diameter, achene weight and number per head than plants from seeds of plants with multiple heads. Seed source had little effect on sunflower seed yield and oil content. However, Funtua produced significantly (P < 0.05) high seed yield (1956.0 kg ha^?1 ± 76.06) when seeds from plants with multiple heads were sown, while Isaanka recorded comparatively high seed yield from seeds of plants from either multiple (1221.0 kg ha^?1 ± 165.90) or single heads (1388.0 kg ha^?1 ± 135.84) and Record (1201.0 kg ha^?1 ± 96.97) when seeds from single headed plants were sown. Therefore, it is recommended that prospective sunflower growers who wish to cultivate Isaanka, can sow seeds from either the multiple or single head and preferably the multiple head for Funtua, and single head for Record.     

Quantifying plant biomass and seed production in camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz) across a large range of plant densities: Modelling approaches

To date, there has been little agreement on supporting the hypothesis that how some key vegetative traits of camelina (Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz var. ‘Soheil’) are dependent on plant biomass. Therefore, the main aim of this investigation was to quantify the relationship between the size of camelina plants and seed production across a broad-range of plant densities through modelling approaches. To make a wide range of plant densities, a fan design was used in eight replicates in an experimental field at Sari Agricultural Sciences and Natural Resources University, Iran. To quantify the relation between plant density and other plant traits, a regression analysis was carried out and the coefficient of determination (R²) was considered to evaluate the goodness of fit model. A power model (y = ax^b) could describe well the relationship between plant density (ranged 113–2905 plants m⁻²) and plant biomass, seed production, number of seeds per plant, stem diameter, and siliques number, with the coefficient of determination (R²) values of 0.85, 0.87, 0.65, 0.64, and 0.90, respectively. The harvest indexes were 13.8%–26.9%, depending on plant density. Seed production per plant was positively correlated to the siliques number (r = 0.85), the branch number (r = 0.80), and the seed number (r = 0.99) which could be key components of camelina seed production per plant. Furthermore, no significant correlation was found among plant height, thousand-seed weight, and harvest index with seed production per plant. In conclusion, plant biomass could be considered an important trait to predict plant growth models of camelina. Also, a lower plant density of camelina can be compensated by a greater number of siliques, branches and seeds per plant.     

Phenotypic variation in the agronomic and morphological traits of Pisum sativum L. germplasm obtained from different parts of the world

A total of 286 genotypes were collected from 39 countries of the world and were evaluated to determine the phenotypic diversity for 17 quantitative traits. Higher degree of coefficient of variation were recorded for grain yield(-5) (52.46%), biomass(-5) (45.73%), fresh pod width(-10) (47.24%), dry pod weight(-1) (40.33%), plant height(-1) (35.25%), harvest index (32.70%) and number of branches(-5). Cluster-II clearly reflected that late genotypes were having lightest pods weight, shortest pod width, and pod length; low grain yield, biomass and harvest index. While genotypes in Cluster-III were in contrast to Cluster-II having heaviest pods weight, longest pods width and length, highest grain yield, biomass and harvest index. Higher PC(-1) values have been determined for days to flower initiation which consequently were contributing weighed positive to days to pods picking, days to flower completion, days to dry pod appearance, days to plant harvesting while negatively contributed to yield producing traits, indicating that late flowering pea germplasm emphasizes more on the vegetative growth and was low yielding. However, higher PC(-2) values have been obtained for number of branches(-5), grain yield and biomass while lower values for days to flowering, days to pods picking, days to flower completion, days to dry pod appearance and days to plant harvesting confirming the fact that early genotypes were high yielding.     

Study of genetic variation in sesame (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Sesamum indicum</Emphasis> L.) using agro-morphological traits and <Emphasis Type="Italic">ISSR</Emphasis> markers

This research was conducted to study the genetic variation among eighteen genotypes of sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) collected from various agro-climatic regions of Iran along with six exotic genotypes from the Asian countries using both agro-morphological and ISSR marker traits. The results showed significant differences among genotypes for all agro-morphological traits and a relatively high genetic coefficient of variation observed for number of fruiting branches per plant, capsules per plant, plant height and seed yield per plant. Cluster analysis based on these traits grouped the genotypes into five separate clusters. Larger interthan intra cluster distances implies the presence of higher genetic variability between the genotypes of different groups. Genotypes of two clusters with a good amount of genetic divergence and desirable agronomic traits were detected as promising genotypes for hybridization programs. The 13 ISSR primers chosen for molecular analysis revealed 170 bands, of which 130 (76.47%) were polymorphic. The generated dendrogram based on ISSR profiles divided the genotypes into seven groups. A principal coordinate analysis confirmed the results of clustering. The agro-morphological traits and ISSR markers reflected different aspects of genetic variation among the genotypes as revealed by a non significant cophenetic correlation in the Mantel test. Therefore the complementary application of both types of information is recommended to maximize the efficiency of sesame breeding programs. The discordance among diversity patterns and geographical distribution of genotypes found in this investigation implies that the parental lines for hybridization should be selected based on genetic diversity rather than the geographical distribution.